Dandelion

Anorexia, weak digestion, hepatic torpor, and constipation.

Clinical Notes. Leaf actions=diuretic, nutritive, alterative, bitter Root actions=cholegogue, choleretic, alterative, bitter, hepatoprotective, laxative, GI & liver tonic TCM=(Pu GongYing) heat clearing & toxin eliminating, promotes urination, eliminates damp heat w/ jaundice

Action and Therapy. If prepared from recent root, taraxacum preparations may be classed with the simple bitters, having in addition a slight laxative, diuretic and alterative action. In association with other indicated remedies they may be used in catarrhal jaundice, with hepatic torpor, chronic constipation, and in catarrhal gastritis; also as a laxative-alterative in autointoxications giving rise to skin disorders and aphthous ulcers. It is contraindicated in weak and irritable or inflammatory conditions of the stomach and bowels, causing flatulence, pain, indigestion, and diarrhea. The best preparation is an extract of the fresh root.

Therapy. It is valuable in combination with other remedies of similar action, in chronic jaundice , in conditions attributable to auto-intoxication, in rheumatism and in blood disorders, as an alterative. It is especially an alterative for chronic eruptions, and unhealthy conditions of the skin. It will stimulate the stomach, and is useful in chronic catarrhal gastritis with perversion of nutrition. In aphthous ulcerations of the mouth it is useful.

Properties and Uses. The root is a mild laxative and alterant, of the relaxing-tonic grade, slowly and gently influencing the liver, small intestines, and kidneys. It is most useful in mild grades of chronic hepatic obstruction and torpor, with biliousness and weakness of the stomach; in engorgements of the liver and spleen, and abdominal dropsy dependent on these conditions.